DO IT YOURSELF
Maintaining Your Boat’s Engine
The information on this page is a general guide to maintaining your boat’s engine. You should check your owner’s manual for the specific procedures recommended by the manufacturer. This is especially important during the break in period for new engines.
Before Each Use:
- Check engine oil as appropriate.
- Check that lanyard stop switch stops engine.
- Check outboard for tightness on transom.
- Check steering system for binding or loose components.
- Visually check steering link rod fasteners for proper tightness.
Every 100 Hours of Use Or Once Yearly, Whichever Occurs First
- Lubricate all lubrication points.
- Change engine oil and replace oil filter (4 stroke). The oil should be changed more often when the engine is operated under adverse conditions such as extended trolling.
- Inspect spark plugs and replace as needed. (Spark plugs are cheap and easy to replace.)
- Inspect fuel line.
- Inspect and adjust carburetor as appropriate.
- Check and adjust Idle speed if necessary.
- If equipped, clean cooling water passage.
- If equipped, inspect thermostat visually for corrosion and broken spring. Make sure thermostat closes completely at room temperature.
- Check engine fuel filter for contaminants.
- Check engine-timing setup.
- Check corrosion control anodes.
- Drain and replace gearcase lubricant.
- Lubricate splines on the driveshaft.
- If equipped, check power trim fluid.
- Inspect battery.
- Check control cable and throttle link.
- Check “Start-in-gear” protection.
- If equipped, check timing belt.
- Check tightness of bolts, nuts and other fasteners.
If you are uncomfortable performing any of the above, or simply do not have the time to perform these tasks, give us a call. We can save you time, effort, and worry.
